The Pope has decided to extend the mandate of the two most important members of the College of Cardinals: that of the Dean, who is currently Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, and that of the Vice-Dean, who is Cardinal Leonardo Sandri.
These two positions, according to the motu proprio published by the Pope in 2019, were for a five-year term, and both were appointed at the end of January 2020, meaning their terms expired a few days ago. However, the regulations indicate that both mandates can be renewed.
Cardinal Re is 91 years old and Cardinal Sandri is 81, so neither is an elector in case of a conclave, as they are over the age limit of 80.
This means that Re would also not preside over the rites for the election of the new pope; instead, a cardinal from the order of bishops who is under the age of 80 would take on this role.
Cardinal Re was, indeed, the one who presided over the conclave that elected Pope Francis in 2013. At that time, the dean was Cardinal Angelo Sodano, but he was over 80 years old.
Although neither Re nor Sandri can be in the Sistine Chapel, if there is a vacant See, the role they will play will be key. The Dean is in charge of calling the cardinals to Rome for the election of the new pope.
The Dean is also the one who celebrates the Pro-Eligendo Pontifice Mass, which is the celebration prior to the beginning of the conclave.
CA
TR: GS/SA
